NYC executive opens Worcester marketing agency

A Central Massachusetts native and New York City marketing executive is bringing his expertise to Worcester in the midst of a cultural and economic renaissance.

In a press release, Jake Messier, founder of HEARD Strategy and Storytelling, said he chose Worcester to the new agency's headquarters.

"When determining where to base HEARD, it became abundantly clear that Worcester was the right fit based on the city's upward trajectory and growth," said Messier, founder and CEO. "From City Square, the Railers and the economic development of the Canal District; it's clear that Worcester is a city on the move and we're proud to be a part of it."

The agency will specialize in digital and social media content, marketing strategy, design services and public relations for New England-based companies and nonprofits.

Messier's clients include the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, WGHB, Ver-Tex Shading Solutions and the National Center for Afro-American Artists.

in an email to the WBJ, Messier said he's still looking for office locations in the downtown area.

The firm currently has eight employees, but Messier said he plans to double that number by the end of 2018 by hiring directly from local colleges in the spring before reaching out to more senior talent.

He most recently served as the chief operations officer and executive vice president of client relations at New York City-based Mungo Creative Group. Prior to that role, he held senior marketing and communications positions at WGBH, the Boston Conservatory, PBS' Antique Roadshow and Worcester Polytechnic Institute.